Inter Milan coach Chivu focused on Coppa Italia final after Lazio clash

Cristian Chivu praised his team’s mentality after the draw with Lazio while already shifting focus toward Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final

The final whistle has blown on Lazio vs Inter Milan. Just three days before meeting again in the Coppa Italia final, the two sides faced each other this afternoon in Serie A.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Inter Milan coach Cristian Chivu reflected on the performance and looked ahead to Wednesday’s decisive clash.

“We will work over these next three days to maintain our seriousness,” Chivu explained. “The final will be different from today, both for them and for us. 

We need to be mentally ready and fully prepared, without losing our personality or the positive things we’ve built throughout the season.”

Chivu praises Sucic and pays emotional tribute to Beccalossi

The Inter Milan coach was also asked about Sucic and whether the midfielder could eventually become a permanent deep-lying playmaker.

“He has always played in a two-man midfield, including with the national team,” Chivu said. “He is very good at certain things, and we knew he could handle today’s role because of his quality, personality, and calmness in possession.”

“He has the courage to press properly, he gets into shooting positions, and he scored as well. In the second half he dropped physically a little, but overall he played a great game.”

Chivu also admitted his side lost some focus after going down to ten men.

“We handled the match with too much superficiality and lightness once we were reduced to ten players. But we learn the lesson and move forward. Throughout the season he has shown good performances, with ups and downs that are natural considering his young age.”

The conference then turned emotional when Chivu was asked about dedicating another trophy to Inter Milan legend Evaristo Beccalossi.

“Losing someone dear to us creates sadness,” the coach said. “We send our condolences to the family. He was an extraordinary player and person.”

Regarding the absence of a minute’s silence, Chivu preferred not to comment directly.

“It’s not for me to decide those things, but in our hearts there has always been space for him from the moment we heard the news. For the love and everything he gave to these colors.”